June 16, 2020

City of Chicago Announces Eligibility Expansion for COVID-19 Testing at Six City-Run Sites

New eligibility will allow more Chicagoans to be tested in response to nationwide protests and the City’s continued reopening

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

CHICAGO – The City of Chicago today announced a citywide eligibility expansion for residents to get tested for COVID-19 at six City-run testing sites and is encouraging anyone who has had a recent high-risk exposure to be tested, which includes participation in protests that have happened throughout the city and country over the past several weeks. The City is also encouraging all residents to continue self-monitoring as the City continues to cautiously reopen and residents continue prudently expanding their social circles. These new measures aim to ensure that any Chicago resident in need of testing can be accommodated and further increase the amount of testing per day citywide.

“As our city’s industries and public spaces cautiously reopen, we must remain steadfast in our fight against the COVID-19 virus, especially in light of the rising case levels we’ve seen in other areas nationwide,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “We encourage all Chicago residents who think they may need to be tested to visit one of these six sites, as well as learn more and pre-register online. We still have a long way to go with this pandemic and we all have a part to play in keeping ourselves and our communities healthy and secure during the months ahead.”

Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is free for all residents and available based on the eligibility requirements below. The City strongly encourages anyone who thinks they may need to be tested to visit one of the sites. Workers onsite can accommodate several language needs in order to provide the best experience and educate residents coming to the testing sites. No questions will be asked about citizenship status, and no documentation related to citizenship will be requested. The data collected for testing appointments whether online or onsite and returned from the tests will only be shared with the City of Chicago’s Department of Public Health.

The testing sites open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are located at:

  • Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy
  • Horizon Science Academy – Southwest
  • Dr. Jorge Prieto Math & Science Academy
  • Kennedy King College
  • Gately Park
  • Columbus Park
Any Chicago resident should be tested at the early onset of these symptoms:
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Mild or moderate difficulty breathing
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches or body aches
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Nausea or vomiting
If you don’t have any new symptoms, you should get tested if you had a recent high-risk exposure, which includes any of the below:
  • Recent contact to someone who has, or is suspected to have, COVID-19
  • Recent high-risk exposures, including close contact with many other people in a large group gathering or crowd
  • First responders or other essential workers with potential recent exposures
All City-run sites can accommodate testing for healthcare workers and first responders who are more frequently exposed to COVID-19. However, it is important to note that testing criteria and guidelines may be different for healthcare workers and first responders. Workers should follow guidance from their employer to determine eligibility. 
 
Getting tested is the best way to know if you have COVID-19, and the City strongly encourages anyone getting tested to schedule an appointment online if possible. Knowing if you have the virus can help to best ensure health needs are met and allow for preventative actions earlier on to keep others safe and prevent further spread. To learn more about the City’s six testing sites or to register to get tested please visit chi.gov/covidtesting.
 
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